30 years of the rebirth of the Hackesche Höfe
The Hackesche Höfe as we know them today have only been around for 30 years. They were built in 1906, and after decades of decay, an extensive renovation began in 1995. During the construction work, the new beginning was celebrated with a lavish party. But the party was followed by a hangover.
Visitors felt like they were on a building site tour: the façades were scaffolded, the ground was torn up, wooden walkways led over construction pits - this is what it looked like in the Hackesche Höfe in June 1995. Nothing was finished yet, but the owners wanted to present their big plans and the new stores that had moved in wanted to draw attention to themselves. After decades of slumber, hardly anyone in Berlin knew the Hackesche Höfe, especially not in the western part of the city. That was about to change. And so, amid cement mixers and tarpaulins, the celebration kicked off in style. The governing mayor Eberhard Diepgen and the actor Otto Sander spoke, there was music and theater performances and over an entire weekend, thousands flocked to the Höfe. Beer and champagne flowed in streams.
A New Beginning After Decline
In the decades following World War II, the unique courtyard complex had steadily fallen into disrepair. In the 1960s, the once grand street-facing façade was demolished. Being declared a protected monument in 1977 did little to change the situation. Plans for renovation could not be implemented during the GDR era.
A citizens' initiative founded in 1991 campaigned to preserve the Höfe and maintain affordable rents. After two investors acquired the property from the heirs of the former owner, extensive restoration work began in 1995. The Art Nouveau facades of Courtyard 1 were reconstructed, technical infrastructure and roofs were renewed, and all the buildings were refurbished. The entrance buildings on Rosenthaler Straße and Hackescher Markt were expanded upward and given new façades.
The Höfe’s original concept—a vibrant mix of living, working, retail, gastronomy, and culture—was revived. A theater troupe had already moved into what is now the Chamäleon Theater. Movie theaters were added under the roof. The stores in the courtyards, which had previously stood empty, served as warehouses or car repair shops, were given a new lease of life. Courtyard 4, designated the “Design Areal,” became home to a hair salon, local fashion labels, and accessory ateliers. Two of the pioneers from back then are still there today - the goldsmith Schmuckwerk and the flagship store of Berlin shoe manufacturer Trippen.
Champagne from the Fountain
Courtyard 4 became the epicenter of the festivities on June 18 and 19, 1995. Schmuckwerk founder Sabine Dubbers played a key role in the preparations. She recalls a massive bar built around the fountain, constructed from scaffolding by an architect friend. The fountain itself was filled with ice and bottles of champagne. The serving duties were handled by none other than the reigning Mr. Berlin.
In front of her shop, Dubbers set up a showcase draped in red velvet. Through peepholes, interested visitors could view jewelry displayed on naked male bodies inside.
Stylish Parties in Ruins
At that time, Uwe Reddig and two business partners had expressed interest in renting the space that is now the Hackescher Hof restaurant. The rooms between the first courtyard and Rosenthaler Straße had not been used as a restaurant for decades. It “looked like it had been bombed out”, says Reddig. Everything around Courtyard 1 was empty, the windows were barred, only the Chameleon was already there.
The celebration in June 95 was a test for Reddig's team. They were commissioned to provide catering in Courtyard 1 - from empty rooms, without a kitchen, just cold water from a hose. The landlords “wanted to test us to see if we could throw a party under these conditions”. They succeeded with flying colors and style - as befits the Hackesche Höfe. The food was served on china and drinks were served in glasses.
At the time, Berlin Mitte was a playground for artists and bon vivants. People liked to party a lot. The last guests of the Höfe party gathered in Courtyard 1 and partied into the night. “At some point, they were lying drunk in each other's arms,” Reddig remembers.
The Hangover After the High
The festive mood didn’t last long for the new shop tenants. After the party, construction really ramped up—and dragged on much longer than expected. Behind the scaffolding, passersby had no idea any shops were open. When it rained, the courtyards turned to muddy swamps. Noise and dust made for an uninviting environment. At the same time, rental agreements required tenants to keep their businesses open. Frustration grew. Complaints about the owners—different ones than today, mind you - became louder and louder.
It was not until 1997 that the refurbishment work was completed. The small-scale retail concept with owner-managed stores and local manufacturers proved its worth and the Hackesche Höfe quickly developed into a place to stroll, shop and go out.
Today, the courtyards are an integral part of city life and one of Berlin's most visited sights.
